§ 81. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the large increase in importation of musical instruments, silk and silk manufactures, clocks and watches, and cinematograph films during May, as compared with April, he proposes to make the import duties on these articles retrospective?
§ 82. Mr. REMERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has noted the heavy importation of manufactured silk since he opened his Budget on 29th April; and if he will take action to make his Budget proposals retrospective, at any rate to 1st June?
Mr. GUINNESSAs stated in the reply which I gave on the 15th June to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Gainsborough (Sir A. Henniker-Hughan) about the importation of motor cars, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is carefully considering the questions raised by the increases in the rates of importation.
§ Mr. REMERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these imports are increasing, and may I ask whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer will take into consideration the fact that in the case of silk the raw material comes from a long distance, namely, from China, while the manufactured goods come from a much nearer country, namely, France, and will he take into consideration the 514 possibility of postponing the duty on the raw material in order to give equality to the British manufacturer?
§ Sir R. THOMASDoes not the fact that these imports are continually increasing prove that these things are cheaper, and is not that better for the country?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSArising out of the original answer, has consideration been given to the remarkable figures disclosed in the May trade Returns?
Captain BENNIf it be the intention to make the duties retrospective, will the right hon. Gentleman say exactly what Parliamentary procedure he proposes to follow?
Captain BENNWill the right hon. Gentleman proceed while the Finance Bill is in Committee, or does he propose to do it on Report?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt would need a Resolution in Committee of Ways and Means.